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Noella E. Watrobka
Noella E. Watrobka nee Ouellette, 79, of Lansing, formerly of Blue Island, passed from this life Wednesday, September 10,2003 at Tri-State Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Lansing. She was born September 2, 1924 in Blue Island to the late Alma nee Beteau and the late Louis Ouellette.
Noella was the beloved wife of the late Edward L. Watrobka who passed away July 14,1970. She is the loving mother of Edward L. (Adrianne) Watrobka of Dyer, Indiana, the late Robert (Bonnie) Watrobka of Florida, Mary Beth Simon of Las Vegas, Lawrence Watrobka of St. Louis, Missouri and Jerome (Donna) Watrobka of Florida. Noella is the cherished grandmother of Michael, Edward, Lawrence, Andrew, Mary Christina, Marjorie, Jerome, Natalie and Anthony and the devoted great grandmother of Hunter Michael.
A memorial mass will be celebrated Saturday, September 27, at 11:00 am at St. Benedict Church, 2339 York St., Blue .Island. Cremation was private. Arrangements were entrusted to THE KRUEGER FUNERAL HOME, 13050 Greenwood Ave, Blue Island.

Donald W. Wilbourn
Donald W. Wilbourn, 67, of Alsip, passed from this life Tuesday, September 9, 2003 at Starke Memorial Hospital in Knox, Indiana. He was born July 21, 1936 in Paint Rock, Alabama to the late Tula nee Hall and the late Ollie nee Wilbourn. Donald is the devoted husband of Barbara nee Copeland. He is the loving father of Donna Jasinski of Knox, Indiana and David (Brenda) Wilbourn of Alsip. Donald is the proud grandpa of Heather, Jacob, Raquel and Richard, the fond brother of Billy (AnneMarie) and the uncle of many nieces and nephews. Donald was a United States Army,veteran from 1960-1962 and plant manager for Polycom Industries for thirty-one years.
Visitation for Donald was held Thursday, September 11. Funeral services were conducted Friday, September 12, at THE KRUEGER FUNERAL HOME, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. The Rev. Robert Powers officiated. Interment took place at Beverly Cemetery.

Elizabeth EvansElizabeth Evans nee Martinez, age 76, passed from this life on Sunday, April 18, 2004, at her Blue Island residence. Elizabeth was born in Blue Island on June 17, 1927, and worked as a teacher's aide.
Elizabeth was the wife of Rito Evans; mother of Celia, Mary Lou, Aito, and Victoria; sister of Senovio Martinez; grandmother of 14; great-grandmother of 10.
Arrangements were handled by HALLINAN FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Vermont St., Blue Island. Visitation was Wednesday, April 21, 2004, from 3-9 PM. The funeral service was on Thursday, April 22, 2004, at St. Donatus Church. Fr. Frank Falco officiated. Interment was at St. Benedict Cemetery in Crestwood.

Freida B. Inman
Freida B. Inman (nee Kranich), of Blue Island, age 97, passed away on April 7, 2004 at the Washington and Jane Smith Home in Chicago.
Freida was born December 22, 1906, and was one of Blue Island's first educators. Many describe her as 'the teacher who changed my life'. One of Mrs. Inman's earliest memories included teaching in a tiny schoolhouse heated by a pot-bellied stove. She taught first grade at the Calumet School as well as for the Elgin school system. Instrumental in the lives of many, she was known for her kindness to her students as well as imparting them with a love of learning.
She is survived by Clarence and Jean Kranich.
Arrangements were handled by HALLINAN FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Vermont Street in Blue Island. Visitation was held at the funeral home on Friday, April 9, 2004, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a 10 AM funeral service. Sister Ann Marie from St. Francis Hospice officiated. Interment was at Beverly Cemetery in Worth Township.
'Let me live in the house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.'

LaVerne M. Mager
LaVerne M. Mager, age 79, passed away on April 2, 2004, at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights. LaVerne was born in Blue Island on May 4, 1924, and worked as a supervisor for an insurance firm. She is survived by a brother, Norman Mager, and a dear friend, Lorraine Dahms.
Arrangements were handled by HALLINAN FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Vermont St., Blue Island. Visitation was held at the funeral home from 3-9 PM on Sunday, April 4th, 2004. The funeral service was held April 5, 2004, at 11 AM. Pastor Judy Jones of Christ Memorial officiated. Interment was at Mt. Greenwood Cemetery in Chicago.

Carl Iver Bergquist
Carl Iver Berquist, age 90, died on June 8, 2004. He has been a resident of Independence Village in Naperville since 2000. Born on November 25, 1913 in Chicago to Gustave and Anna Bergquist, he was one of five children.
Carl graduated from Morgan Park High School and then attended Wabash College where he played football and baseball and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1938. Carl served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945 in the 104th Infantry Division. Decorated with a Purple Heart, he had been stationed in Germany during WWII and had been captured at the Battle of the Bulge. He taught History and French at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. He retired in 1975.
Carl is survived by his sister, Martha (Albert) Wieringa; sister-in-law, Elsie Bergquist; nephews and nieces: Bernie Barke, Kim Wieringa, Karen Scuderia, Bonnie Lintz, Wayne Shibley, Cynthia Drainc, David Bergquist, David Miller, and Kristin Cicciarelli.

Ernesto Caratachea
Ernesto Caratachea, age 59, passed from this life on June 28, 2004, at St. Francis Hospital. He was born in Mexico on September 22, 1944 and lived in Blue Island for 40 years. He worked as a drywall taper and finisher.
Ernesto was the husband of Maria; father of Pablo, Alejandra, Maria Elena, and Ivan; grandfather of three.
Arrangements were handled by HALLINAN FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Vermont St., Blue Island. Visitation was on Thursday, July 1, 2004, from 3-9 PM. Mass was celebrated at St. Benedict Church on Friday, July 2, 2004, 9:30 AM. Interment was at St. Mary in Evergreen Park.

Vicente V. Gallegos
Vicente V. Gallegos, a long-time Blue Island resident, passed from this life on Monday, June 7, 2004, at St. Francis Hospital and Health Care in Blue Island. Mr. Gallegos was born to the late Amada Vasquez and Miguel Gallegos in Mexico on July 19, 1934. He was 69.
Vicente was the husband of Vicenta Gallegos; father of Imelda (Javier) Leal, Ruben (Rosa) Gallegos, Benilda (Victor) Ramos, Vicente (Maria) Gallegos Jr., Gloria (Manuel) Castillo, Irma (Victor) Montoya, Ana (Marco) Salgado, Miguel (Cyndy) Gallegos, Mirella Gallegos, and Juan J. Gallegos, all of Blue Island. He was the grandfather of 24: Mariela Espinoza, Evelyn Gallegos, Victor Ramos Jr., Javier A. Leal, Orlando Gallegos, Pierre Castillo, Juan Leal, Adilene Gallegos, Karina Ramos, Luiz A. Montoya, Huricela Mercado, Ruben Gallegos Jr. Manuel Castillo Jr., Ricardo Ramos, Eduardo Montoya, Josue Leal, Frank Gallegos, Jesse Gallegos, Zulma Montoya, Giselle Gallegos, April A. Gallegos, Camille Castillo, Miguel V. Gallegos, and Vincent Gallegos; great-grandfather of two. He is survived by five brothers and sisters.
A long-time member of St. Benedict Church, Vicente was known as an excellent father, husband, grandfather and friend. He was a long-time employee of Grief Brother in Blue Island.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, June 9, 2004, from 2-9 PM. Holy Mass was said at 11 A< on Thursday, June 10, 2004, by Father George L. Schopp in St. Benedict Church. Interment was in St. Benedict Cemetery, Crestwood, IL.

Lorayne M. Herrick
Lorayne M. Herrick nee Nash, 94, of Madison, Wisconsin, formerly of Markham and Blue Island, passed from this life Friday, June 18, 2004 at Meriter Health Center in Madison.
Lorayne was born April 22, 1910 in Blue Island to the late Georgetta nee Hendrickson and the late Stanton Nash. She was the beloved wife of the late Albert Herrick who passed away in 1983. The couple were united in marriage in 1929. She is survived by her son Scott Herrick of Madison, former daughter-in-Iaw Mary Beth Elliott and granddaughter Claire Elliott Herrick. She is the beloved sister of Jean (Howard) Edwards of Blue Island and the dear aunt and cousin of many.
Lorayne was active in the Methodist churches in Markham and Blue Island. She was employed for many years, in secretarial and administrative postions. In 1997 she relocated to the Meriter retirement community to be near her immediate family.
Visitation for Lorayne was held Saturday, June 26, from 9:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am at THE KRUEGER FUNERAL HOME, 13050 Greenwood Avenue, Blue Island. The Reverend Greg Dell officiated. Interment took place at Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery.

Audrey Mercede
Audrey 'Cookie' Mercede, nee Schneider, of Blue Island, departed suddenly from this life, at the age of 69, on June 30, 2004 at St. Margaret's Hospital, Hammond, IN.
She was the beloved wife and best friend of Chris Mercede. Devoted and loving mother of Karen (Mark) Kissel, Tim (Gina) Mercede, Chris (Carol) Mercede and Jeanne (Mike) Ericksen. Cherished grandmother of Nikki (Stephen) Mincks, Erin (Daniel) Mincks, Danielle and Victoria Kissel, Erin Nicole and Timothy Mercede, Kevin and Angela Brown. She was the loving great-grandmother of Allie, Austin, Aedin Mincks and Dakota Mincks. She was the dear sister of Pat (Harry) Warnaar and Jean (the late Ken) Sundquist. She was the much loved daughter-in-law of Jack & Alma Mercede. The fond 'sister' of many sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws. Cookie was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Edward & Victoria Schneider. She was the fond aunt of many nephews and nieces.
Memorial visitation was held on Monday, July 5 from 3 to 9 PM at Hallinan Funeral Home, 2601 Vermont St., Blue Island, IL. Internment was at St. Benedict Cemetery.
Cookie was an avid tennis player, who also enjoyed a fun round of golf, a fantastic, creative woman, the 'Martha Stewart' of Blue Island, was always ready to lend a helping hand, and a wonderful and loyal friend. Cookie will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Eleanor R. Scaletta
Eleanor R. Scaletta nee Hook, 93, of Danville, California, formerly of Alsip, Beverly and Blue Island, passed from this life Thursday, May 6, 2004.
Eleanor was born June 24, 1910 in Blue Island to the late Catherine nee Herlihy and the late John Hook. She was the beloved wife of sixty-one years to the late Fred A. Scaletta. Eleanor is the mother of Michael H. (Frances) Scaletta of California and John F. (Diane) Scaletta of Connecticut. She is the grandmother of Michael A., Mark A., Anna Marie Wilson, Brian and David and great grandmother of Anthony, Ashley, Alexis and Annika. Eleanor was a former member of Blue Island Knights of Columbus Council 1366 Auxiliary and Blue Island Elks.
A memorial mass was celebrated Friday, June 25, at St. Terrence Church. Interment of remains took place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to THE KRUEGER FUNERAL HOME, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island.

George R. Silagyi
George R. Silagyi, 56, of Blue Island, passed from this life Monday, June 28, 2004 at Alden Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
George was born May 28, 1948 in Blue Island to the late Marjorie M. nee Jebsen and the late Zoltan G. Silagyi. He is the beloved husband of Doreen nee Sliwa. The couple were united in marriage November 17, 1973. George is the loving father of Timothy Ryan Silagyi and the cherished brother of the late Edward J. Silagyi. He is the dear brother-in-law of Stanley (Mary) Sliwa, Patrick (Debbie) Sliwa, Tina , (Andrew) Stott and the late Jerry Sliwa.
George was a math and computer science teacher for thirty-four years at Thornridge High School in Thornton Township High School District 205. He was a member of Calumet Lodge 716, A.F. & A.M. of Homewood.
Visitation for George was held Thursday, July 1, and Friday July 2, at THE KRUEGER FUNERAL HOME, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, July 3, at Grace United Methodist Church. The Reverend Carl. Hood, Pastor, officated. Interment took place at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
If you would like to contribute in George's memory, donations may be directed to the George R. Silagyi Technology Scholarship Fund.

Vera E. Schuldt
Vera Edith Johanna Schuldt nee Doermann, 88, of Blue Island, passed from this life Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at St. Francis Hospital & Health Center.
Vera was born August 5,1915 in Blue Island to the late Agathe nee Wickemeyer and the late Rev. M.P.F. Doermann. She was the beloved wife of the late Manville Schuldt and the late Harry Schuldt. Vera is the loving mother of Pamela (John) Anderson and the late Sandra Schuldt. She is the cherished grandmother of Richard (Courtney) Schuldt and Samantha Schuldt. Vera is the dear step-mother of Harriet (Jerome) Jackson and John (Bobbi) Schuldt and the fond step-grandmother and step-great grandmother of many. She is the devoted sister of the late Rev. Carl Doermann, Rev. Gerhardt Doermann, Regina Kordewich, Erna Carrier, Viola Asplund, Irene Sagebiel, Anita Doermann and Doris Schuldt.
Vera was formerly employed by the State Bank of Blue Island, which is now known as First Midwest Bank. She was also employed by Continental Bank formerly located on LaSalle St. in Chicago.
Visitation for Vera was held Friday, June 18, at THE KRUEGER FUNERAL HOME, 13050 Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, June 19, at First Ev. Lutheran Church. The Rev. Glenn H. Blackwelder, Pastor, officiated. Interment took place at First Ev. Lutheran Cemetery.

Ronald W. Weigand
Ronald Wilbert Weigand was born on August 23,1937, in Harvey, Illinois, to Elsie and Wilbert Weigand. He grew up in Blue Island and lived there for 28 years before moving to Garden Grove, CA. He died on May 5, 2004 of a massive heart attack.
In Blue Island, he attended Paul Revere Elementary School, Greenwood Jr. High, and graduated from Blue Island Community High School (Eisenhower). He served in the U.S. Army for two years. After to California, he graduated from Cal State Fullerton and was awarded a California scholarship to attend Northwestern University for Police Studies and Management. He spent 28 years with the Garden Grove Police Department, rising to the rank of Captain. After retirement, he served 10 years as a part-time background investigator for the same department. He was an avid Raider, Chicago Bears and Bulls fan. He loved travel, books, woodworking, and restoring classic cars.
He gave his life to his wife and family, friends, and the City of Garden Grove. He was happily married for 34 years to Carolyn, had a son, Stephen Ron, daughter-in- law, Trish, four grandkids: Ronnie, Jacob, Courtney, an Stephen Sean, and a brother, Richard, who also grew up in Blue Island.
His service was on May 11, 2004, at the Garden Grove Historical 1st Baptist Church. Burial was at Forest Lawn Memorial Park nearby.